What Does the Bible Say About Calling?Sample

Consider the Needs of the World

There are three major areas to consider when looking for vocational guidance. Today we’ll look at one: the needs of the world.

Frederick Buechner writes: “The place God calls you to is where your deep gladness and the world’s deep hunger meet.”

The single strongest indicator of what God wants you to do is probably your awareness of what needs to be done to make the world more like what God intends. This doesn’t necessarily mean you have to solve huge, global problems. For example, earning a living to support yourself and your family is one need mentioned in the Bible. Working to serve the good of the larger society is also a biblical imperative.

Of course, you can’t meet every need of the world, so you have to narrow it down. It is also possible that something in your life other than your job or career is the most important way you are helping to meet the world’s needs.

Reflection Questions

Write down a list of needs of the world that:

• you observe or notice
• you feel strongly about
• affect people you care about
• come to mind when you read the Bible

Then, consider which you are personally responsible for (such as raising your children or paying your debts). Beyond that, pay attention to needs that you are in a good position to meet, that few other people are willing to address, or that you find especially pressing.

God has given everyone the ability to recognize something of what the world needs. There is no biblical formula for translating the needs of the world into a precise job calling. God seems to expect us to notice it and get to work, rather than waiting for a special call from him.

Prayer

Dear Father, thank you that you are moved by the world’s “deep hunger.” Please continue to open my eyes to ways (big or small) that you may be inviting me to partner with you to care for the world’s needs. Help me experience your love, that I may love others as you have loved me. Amen.